The Sports Authority of India, on Friday handed over a cheque of Rs. five lakhs to the family of athlete Aparna who committed suicide by eating poisonous fruits.

Alappuzha (Kerala): The Sports Authority of India, on Friday handed over a cheque of Rs. five lakhs to the family of athlete Aparna who committed suicide by eating poisonous fruits.

Director general of SAI, Injeti Srinivas, visited Aparna's home on Friday and handed over the compensation amount to her family members.

"Her mother has been offered a job in SAI. We have also started to speak to the shocked inmates of the water sports centre at Vembanad, where the four athletes who ate the poisonous fruits were residents," said Kishore.

Meanwhile Alappuzha Lok Sabha member K.C.Venugopal told reporters in Delhi that he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked for help for the family of Aparna.

"We have lost a budding athlete and hence I have requested for a handsome compensation. He also agreed to conduct a proper probe at the highest level with regard to the entire incident," said Venugopal.

The condition of the three athletes who also attempted suicide is improving, said a doctor treating them.

The three sports girls, who are being treated at the intensive care unit of the Medical College here, had consumed poisonous fruits on being reprimanded for taking an alcoholic drink.

"Today (Friday) morning they spoke to us. Of the three, the condition of one girl, Shilpa, was a bit serious, but she also spoke to us. Things are improving," the doctor told the media.

Srinivas, who arrived here last night, told reporters that a hotline has been established to an expert team of medical professionals at AIIMS in New Delhi.

"After hearing the treatment protocol...they (AIIMS officials) have expressed their satisfaction. There will be regular contacts with the medical team that has been formed at AIIMS," said Srinivas.

Four girl athletes after being admonished by the sports centre officials on Wednesday evening for drinking beer ate poisonous fruits. One of them, Aparna, died early Thursday and the other three were under medical treatment since Wednesday night.

On Friday, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited the three athletes at the hospital and also went to the home of Aparna.

"I have asked for the inclusion of a lady IPS official in the police probe team. All aspects will be probed into," said Chennithala.

Geetha, mother of Aparna, has given him a written complaint that two senior girl students and a coach are responsible for her daughter's suicide.

"In another eight months, my daughter would have completed her training and got a job. She was always concerned about me and had promised me that with her job she will take care of me," said Geetha.

Police have recovered a note the four athletes wrote. It does not mention their being ragged or harassed by seniors, but it does say that they were being taken to task for a small mistake committed by them.

The family members of the athletes, however, have been stating that their daughters were under severe pressure from their seniors and officials.